He Loves Her

Chapter 2 : Under the Aisle

Roseline Angelina Brown

Five years later...

The sun shines brightly through the glass window, making the golden hue in my eyes sparkle. Soft music plays in the background as I study myself in the full length mirror, satisfied with my appearance somehow. The makeup is minimal yet sophisticated.

A peach eyeshadow decorates my lids, emphasising on the hazel in my eyes. My lips are coloured a blood red, appearing plump and soft. There's a pink, neutral blush dusted over my olive cheeks. The whole look emphasising my features without overdoing it.

Just the way I like it.

My hair is in a bun, a few soft tendrils  falling around my face and neck in curls, framing it beautifully. The dress is a wonder, a white off the shoulder mermaid gown. The fabric is soft against my chest and fits my curves perfectly, showing just the right amount of cleavage. The tail is not long; just half a metre. I'm wearing five inch tall heels, which I mastered walking in after a few attempts.

"My baby looks so beautiful." My mother wipes her tears with a napkin as she looks me up and down , her eyes shining with pride. I smile at her, she's wearing a pastel green gown with a scarf around her head. Her otherwise brown luscious hair are now gone, thanks to cancer. She's paler and weaker and I fear she would fall any moment.

Maggie is beside her, looking at me with tears brimming in her blue eyes. She's wearing a beautiful red gown, she's my only maid of honour, judging as she's my only best friend. I walk to them as I take their hands in mine. "As do you, both of you." I whisper, overcome with emotion.

My mother engulfs me in a hug. "Oh darling! I'm so happy today. You're going to be right where I dreamed for you to be." She kisses my ear as she says this. I smile when I pull away, nodding.

I'll do anything for her, anything.

Maggie is watching me with a far off expression. I know what she's thinking, I'm sarcificing again and this time I'm sacrificing myself. She has made sure to tell me that every chance she got. But she knows I would never turn back on my words. "Well, what do you think?" I raise a brow at her, making her shake her head with a sad smile on her face.

"You look great, Rose." She squeezes my hand, assuringly. The door opens to reveal Blake, Maggie's boyfriend and my soon-to-be husband's bestfriend.

"Rose, it's time. He's waiting for you." He winks at me. "And you look great." With that he disappears behind the now closed door, no wonder going to take his spot beside the groom as the best man.

"Where's father, mother?" I ask my mother, who apparently can't take her eyes off me.

"He went to have a word with the groom, darling. He'll be here any second." Just as she finishes her sentence, my father bursts through the door.

"I'm sorry..." He doesn't have a chance to finish his sentence as his gaze falls on me. Tears instantly making an appearance.

"My princess." He whispers, biting on his fist as tears roll down his cheeks. I can't help it, my eyes too fill up with emotion. He reaches me in two quick strides, engulfing me in one of his protective father hugs. "You look ethereal, Angel." He whispers as he crushes me to him.

"Hey daddy, don't cry." Pulling back, I wipe his tears with the back of my hand as he does mine. He cups my face, planting a kiss on my forehead before he holds his arm out for me.

"Let's go, Princess." His voice is laced with emotion as he speaks. My mother places the veil on my head, hiding my face behind the beautiful white lace and hands me my bouquet, which consists of the most beautiful red roses tied together artfully.

Maggie thought it would be a good idea to match the bouquets with each other's gowns.

Grasping my father's hand , I take a deep breathe when the nerves kick in. Walking out of the dressing room, I pause when we're just about to enter the main hall. My palms get sweaty as my heart hammers.

Be strong, Roseline.

"Baby, it's alright." Father places his hand resurringly over mine. "Take a deep breathe." He urges me, kissing my temple and relaxing my worked up state a bit. taking a few deep breathes, I'm back in element.

I can do this.

"Are you okay , Princess?" I nod , calming my nerves as the doors open. "All of me" plays softly as I step inside the hall, bringing back beautiful memories of the past.

Humming to the song I'm listening on my Ipod, I stack the books in the top shelves of the library. It's my fifth day, working as a helper with Mrs. John , the librarian. The top shelves are laden with dust and spiderwebs, judging they've never been used before.

Dusting the shelve, I sneeze when the dust particles enter my nose. I wave my hand hoping to chase the dust away but that's a big mistake as it causes me to lose my balance . The next thing I know, I'm falling from the stool. My IPod slips from my shirts pocket, falling with a loud clank on the ground.

I'm next...

Closing my eyes, I wait to hit the ground. Only that never happens, instead I find myself clutching onto a hard chest as two arms hold me up. Opening my eyes to meet a set of  amused blue orbs. I gasp, captivated by the enchanting depths of them.

Tiny beats of "All of me" fills the space around us as electricity pulses thick in the air. My body coming alive under his touch.

"M-Mr Black." I whisper.

Breaking out of the little memory, I look down as we start to make our way down the steps, hoping I don't miss a step and fall. The steps are covered with a thick red carpet, a shade lighter than my own red heels. I look up just when we're at the end of the stairs.

My breathe hitches in my throat .He looks devilishly handsome, like always. His body broader and more muscular than the last time I saw him, five years ago. The black tuxedo hugs his broad shoulders and thin waist. His black hair styled back with gel. An aura of power and dominance surrounds him , making him all more appealing.

But his eyes are not on me...

Flowing his gaze to the guests seated in the chairs, my heart drops when they fall on Scarlet. His gaze doesn't waver from hers. She's the center of his attention, she would always be.

He has made sure to inform me that I would be his wife, only officially. He doesn't love me, he never will.

Because...

He loves her.

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